Gorteria diffusa subsp. diffusa leaves

The long, oblanceolate leaves of Gorteria diffusa subsp. diffusa curve up and around like inquisitive snakes. The soft, green and hairy blades reassure, however, no danger. Their sunken midribs are not continued to the leaf tips where rolled under margins result in rounding, again raising thoughts of snake heads.

The sharply pointed clusters of bracts under which new flowerheads are budding have herringbone-like dark hairs lower down, below their dark tips (Le Roux, et al, 2005; Manning and Goldblatt, 1997; iNaturalist).